30 Sep 2004 -
World Maritime Day 30 September 2004

There is a problem with US terminals. In a meeting with members not so long ago one of our employees spoke with a master of a tanker which frequently called at US ports and terminals. On one terminal they have closed the terminal permanently. There is no open gate manned by a guard - instead the terminal workers lock themselves in and out with personal ID-cards they slot through a machine. Therefore there is no access to shore leave for the crew. It is allegedly so grotesque that crewmembers cannot even go ashore to visit a doctor or a dentist. The master and crew have learned that the only connection to the outside world is by calling 911 and requesting an ambulance, even if it is for a call to the doctor or dentist and not an emergency.

Crew change is also not possible at the terminal. So when it's to be done the vessel leaves the terminal/port and once outside they launch a boat to shore areas outside the terminal and makes the crew change that way.

Fritz Ganzhorn, General Secretary

Søfartens Ledere - Dansk Navigatarforenins (Danish Navigators)